Bath cover for child

ABSTRACT

A bath cover for comforting a child during a bathing process is disclosed. The bath cover includes a body portion at least partially formed of an absorbent material and configured to cover at least a portion of the torso of the child. The body portion has an upper end with a contour corresponding to the neck of the child. The bath cover also includes first and second support portions extending outwardly at the upper end of the body and positionable over the shoulders of the child. The relatively absorbent material is configured to be wetted and positioned adjacent to the child to warm the child during the bathing process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/819,216, having a filing date ofJul. 7, 2006, titled “Bath Cover for Child,” the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for (e.g., bathaccessories, etc.) and methods of bathing an infant, toddler, and/oradolescent (collectively referred to for purposes of the presentdisclosure as a child). More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to systems for and methods of covering a portion of the child towarm, comfort or otherwise shield the child during a bathing process.

The process of bathing a child can be pleasurable experience for thechild due to the warmth and comfort of a well arranged bath.Unfortunately, the process of bathing a child can also be time of greatanxiety, tension, and/or discomfort for the child. Such discomfort oftenresults when the child is subjected to a sudden change in temperature,such as the temperature difference between the relatively warm bathwater and the relatively cool ambient air.

In situations where the entire body of the child is substantiallysubmersed within the bath water (except for the head of the child), thechild is unlikely to notice the temperature difference between the bathwater and the ambient air until it is time to get out of the bath (atwhich time the child may be wrapped in a dry towel to comfort thechild). However, in situations where a significant portion of the childis exposed to the ambient air during the bath process while anotherportion is submersed within the bath water, the child is more likely toexperience discomfort due to the temperature difference. Such discomfortmay cause the child to cry or whine.

While it may be pleasurable for a child to be substantially submersedwithin a warm bath, such a position may not be reasonably practical forthe parent or caretaker giving the child the bath. Parents andcaretakers bathing child often must use one hand to wash and rinse thechild and the other hand to control the position of the child. Due tothe slippery nature of administering a bath, there exists the potentialfor an accidental submersion of the head or face of the child. Usingless water in the bath tub may reduce the likelihood of an accidentalsubmersion. However, this results in having a substantial portion of thechild exposed to ambient air during the bath process.

Various devices and bath tub assemblies have been introduced which aredesigned specifically to support and comfort a child during the bathprocess. These devices include pads, adjustable platforms, slings orhammocks. Each device is configured to prop a child up and protectagainst accidental submersions of the head or face of the child.Unfortunately, the trade off with these devices and bath tub assembliesis that a portion of the child is exposed to the ambient air during thebathing process. For example, it is not uncommon for a substantialportion of the torso (e.g., chest, abdominal area, etc.) of the child tobe exposed to the ambient air during the bathing process.

Thus, there is a need for a bath accessory for and method of covering aportion of a child undergoing a bath process that would otherwise beexposed to the relatively cool ambient air. There is also a need for abath accessory for and method of covering a portion of a child that issuitable for use with a small child (e.g., infant, toddler, etc.). Thereis further a need for a bath accessory for and method of covering aportion of a child during a bath process. There is further a need for abath accessory in the form of a bath cover that can be readily used tocover the child during the bathing process. There is further a need forbath accessory and/or bath cover addressing these and/or any other need.

SUMMARY

One exemplary embodiment relates to a bath accessory for a child. Thebath accessory includes a main portion formed of a relatively absorbentand soft material, the main portion is sized to cover a substantialportion of the torso of the child. The main portion defines an aperture(e.g., cutout portion, depression, etc.) configured to substantiallyconform to and be supported adjacent to the neck of the child. The bathaccessory also includes a first support member and a second supportmember. The first and second support members are supported at the upperend of the main portion and are configured to drape over the shouldersof the child (one support member on each shoulder). The main portion isconfigured to receive and hold warm water in an attempt to comfort thechild.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a bath cover for use on a childduring a bathing process. The bath cover includes a main portion formedof a relatively absorbent material and configured to at least partiallycover the torso of the child, first and second support members supportedat an upper portion of the main portion and configured to drape over theshoulders of the child for securing the bath cover to the child, and agonadic portion supported at a lower portion of the main portion. Themain portion, the first and second support members, and the gonadicportion are integrally formed to provide a one-piece unitary cover. Thecover is configured to be placed upon the child during the bathingprocess to warm the child.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of comforting a childduring a bathing procedure involving a tub. The method comprises thesteps of dampening an absorbent cloth with water and placing the clothover the torso of the child while the child is in the tub. The clothincludes a main portion and a support portion. The main portion is sizedto substantially cover the torso of the child and includes an upper endhaving a contoured region configured to be supported adjacent to theneck of the child. The support portion includes a pair of support legsoutwardly extending from the upper end, each support leg is configuredto be positioned at a respective shoulder of the child. The methodfurther includes the steps of positioning the main portion of the clothover the torso of the child, positioning the contoured region adjacentto the neck of the child, and positioning each support leg at arespective shoulder of the child. The main portion of the cloth is atleast partially maintained over the torso of the child by the pair ofsupport legs interacting with the shoulders of the child.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bath cover according to an exemplaryembodiment and shown being used with a child.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the bath cover illustrated in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is top view of the bath cover illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is cutaway side view of the bath cover illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bath cover illustrated in FIG. 1shown being used on a different portion of the child.

FIG. 6 top view of a bath cover according to another exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bath cover according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bath cover according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bath cover according to anotherexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the FIGURES, a bath cover and components thereofare shown according to exemplary embodiments. The bath cover (e.g.,towel, cloth, drape, etc.), shown as a bath cover 20, is configured towarm or otherwise comfort a person (e.g., child, etc.) being bathed.Bath cover 20 is formed of a relatively soft and flexible (e.g.,conformable, pliable, etc.) material and generally comprises a main bodyportion and one or more support portions. The main body portion of bathcover 20 is configured to at least partially cover a portion of theperson that would otherwise be exposed to ambient air during the bathingprocess, while the one or more support portions are intended to assistin maintaining and/or securing the main body portion in its desiredposition on the person. Use of bath cover 20 is intended to eliminate orat least reduce any discomfort (e.g., chill, uneasiness, etc.) that aperson may experience when a first portion of the person is submersed inrelatively warm water and a second portion of the person is exposed tothe relatively cool ambient air (i.e., a typical occurrence when bathinga child).

According to one exemplary embodiment, at least the main body portion ofbath cover 20 is formed of a relatively absorbent material. Using arelatively absorbent material allows the main body portion to besaturated or otherwise dampened with water (either from the bath tub ora secondary source) to further assist in warming the person undergoingthe bathing process.

Before discussing the details of the bath cover, and specifically bathcover 20, it should be noted at the outset that references to “front,”“back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in thisdescription are merely used to identify the various elements as they areoriented in the FIGURES. These terms are not meant to limit the elementwhich they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differentlyin various applications.

It should also be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the term“coupled” means the joining or combining of two members (e.g., portions,layers, materials, components, etc.) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining or combining may be stationary (e.g., fixed, etc.)in nature and/or moveable (e.g., adjustable, etc.) in nature. Suchjoining or combining may be achieved with the two members or the twomembers and any additional intermediate members being integrally formedas a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being attached toone another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternativelymay be removable or releasable in nature.

It should further be noted that while the exemplary embodiments of thebath cover are described and illustrated herein as a bath towel forcovering a portion of the torso of a person while bathing (e.g., thechest, abdominal region, back, sides, etc.), and more particularly, as abath towel for covering a portion of the torso of a person who is aninfant, toddler, child, and/or adolescent (collectively referred to forpurposes of the present disclosure as a “child”), the bath cover mayalso be configured to cover other areas of the child. For example, thebath cover may be configured to at least partially cover the head and/orextremity regions of a child, and/or any other area of the child thatmay benefit from being covered during the bathing process. Further, thebath cover may also be sized and configured to be used with personsother than children (e.g., adults).

Also, bath cover 20 may be used regardless of the position of the child.For example, the child may be provided in a supine position wherein thechild is positioned on his or her back with the legs of the child beingstraight or bent, a seated position wherein the child is positioned withhis or her legs substantially perpendicular to his or her back, and/or alateral position wherein the child is positioned on one side.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 through 5, bath cover 20 is illustratedaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 inparticular, bath cover 20 is shown as being draped over a child placedwithin a water-retaining device (shown as a bath tub 10). Bath tub 10 isin the form of an elongated-shaped basin dimensioned to receive a childand configured to retain water. Bath tub 10 facilitates the immersion,bathing, and rinsing of the child while at least a portion of the childremains above the water level and exposed to the ambient air. The childis facing upward with his or her head at one of the tub and his or herfeet at an opposite end. It should be noted that bath 10 is shown forillustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Bathcover 20 is suitable for use with any known or otherwise suitablewater-retaining devices for bathing children. For example, bath cover 20is suitable for use with a water-retaining device configured to receivea sling or hammock which secures or otherwise supports a child duringthe bathing process.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing bath cover 20 in a relatively flattenedor extended position. Bath cover 20 generally comprises a body portion(e.g., base, cover, central region, etc.), shown as a main portion 30and support portion (e.g., retaining device, etc.), shown as a firstsupport leg 50 and a second support leg 52. Main portion 30 isconfigured to at least partially cover the torso of a child (i.e., theportion of the child that would otherwise be exposed to the ambient airduring the bathing process), while first support leg 50 and secondsupport leg 52 are intended to assist in maintaining and/or securingmain portion 30 in its desired position on the child. First support leg50 and second support leg 52 are shown as being integrally formed withmain portion 30 to provide a one-piece unitary cover. Accordingly tovarious alternative embodiments, first support leg 50 and second supportleg 52 may be formed separately from main portion 30 and subsequentlycoupled thereto via any suitable fastening technique (e.g., stitching,thermal bonding, adhesive, mechanical fastener, etc.).

Main portion 30 is shown as a substantially rectangular member having afirst or upper portion, shown as a top region 32, a second or lowerportion, shown as a bottom region 34, a third or front portion, shown asa front surface 36, and a fourth or rear portion, shown as a rearsurface 38. Rear surface 38 is intended to be placed against the skin ofthe child with top region 32 being positioned adjacent to (e.g.,proximate, near, at, etc.) the neck of a child. Top region 32 includes aconfiguration (e.g., shape, profile, etc.) suitable for allowing bathcover 20 to receive or substantially conform to (e.g., wrap around,etc.) the contours of the neck of the child. According to an exemplaryembodiment, top region 32 is shown as having a cutout or missing portion(e.g., concave region, curvature, etc.), shown as a depression 40, thatis shaped and dimensioned to substantially conform to the contours ofthe neck of a child.

Depression 40 is defined by an edge 42 having a curvilinear shape (e.g.,arcuate, semi-circular, etc.). The size and shape of depression 40 mayvary depending on a number of design criteria. For example, depression40 may be sufficiently sized and shaped to receive and/or accommodate atypical neck size range for children of a particular age (e.g., 0-6months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, etc.). According tovarious alternative embodiments, depression 40 may be sufficiently sizedand shaped to accommodate a wide range of children or a specific type ofchild. For example, depression 40 may be sized and shaped to use withpremature babies which are typically smaller than other babies.According to further alternative embodiments, the size and/or shape ofdepression 40 may be adjustable by a user (e.g., may have an elasticedge, may have an adjustable drawstring or strap, may have an adjustablefastener such as Velcro, buttons or the like, etc.). According to astill further alternative embodiments, depression 40 may have any of avariety of shapes, including shapes having linear portions, non-linearportions, or combinations thereof.

Main portion 30 is generally formed of one or more layers of relativelyabsorbent materials. The type of material used may vary depending onvarious design criteria (e.g., softness, durability, absorbency, color,texture, etc.). For example, main portion 30 may be formed of anysuitably absorbent natural fibers or fabrics (e.g., cotton, silk, wool,hemp, etc.) and/or synthetic materials (e.g., acrylics, polyester,microfiber, nylon, rayon, etc.). Main portion 30 may also be formed of,at least in part, a material configured to absorb heat so that it canstay relatively warm during the entire bathing process. Anyone of theaforementioned materials alone or in a combination of two or more of thematerials may be used to form main portion 30. According to oneexemplary embodiment, main portion 30 is formed of a cotton and/or silkfabric such as chenille, flannel, or terry cloth. It should be notedthat the material used to form main portion 30 is not limited to theaforementioned materials, and according to various alternativeembodiments may be formed of any known or otherwise suitable material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the material used to form mainportion 30 is generally light and flexible to maximize workability forconforming, bending, folding, etc., or otherwise manipulating. Thematerial may be formable (e.g. deformable) or compliant, and/orrelatively “stretchable” (e.g. elastic). Preferably, the materialprovides softness or comfort to the child, and is easily cleaned and/orsanitized (e.g., washable, etc.).

Main portion 30 can have a wide range of thickness, weights and/ordensities depending upon the desired absorbency and/or other designcriteria of bath cover 20. Main portion 30 can also include materialsdiffering in color, patterns, textures, images, etc. According to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, main portion 30 is formed of a firstpanel or material 44 for defining front surface 36 of main portion 30and a second panel or material 46 for defining rear surface 38 of mainportion 30. Surrounding a peripheral edge of first material 44 andsecond material 46 is a binding 48 (e.g., edging, etc.). Binding 48 mayassist in securing first material 44 relative to second material 46and/or may be provided for aesthetic purposes.

Supported at top region 32 of main portion 30 are first support leg 50and second support leg 52. First support leg 50 and second support leg52 are configured to assist in securing bath cover 20 in its desiredposition on the child. Without first support leg 50 and second supportleg 52 (or an equivalent structure included within the scope of thepresent application), the parent or caretaker giving the bath wouldlikely have to use one hand to keep the bath towel in place. Firstsupport leg 50 and second support leg 52 upwardly extend from top region32 of main portion 30 and are each defined at a periphery by acurvilinear edge. According to various alternative embodiment, firstsupport leg 50 and second support leg 52 may have any of a number ofshapes and sizes depending on the various design criteria (e.g., thesize of the child, the likely position of the child, etc.).

First support leg 50 and second support leg 52 may be formed of the sameor of a different material as main portion 30. According to an exemplaryembodiment, first support leg 50 and second support leg 52 are formed ofthe same material as main portion 30. According to various alternativeembodiments, first support leg 50 and second support leg 52 are formedof a slightly heavier or weighted material to assist in maintaining thelegs on the shoulders of the child thereby allowing main portion 30 toremain at its desired position. To further assist in maintaining thedesired position of bath cover 20 on the child, the rear surfaces offirst support leg 50 and second support leg 52 may include a frictiongenerating feature (e.g., small rubber projections, varying texture,etc.).

According to the embodiment illustrated, first support leg 50 and secondsupport leg 52 are configured to extend substantially straight back overthe shoulders of the child (i.e., substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of main portion 30). More specifically, first supportleg 50 and second support leg 52 are shown as extending slightly outwardas they extend back over the shoulders of the child. Such aconfiguration is distinguishable over conventional baby bibs whichtypically include two extensions that are fastened behind the neck ofthe child. Configuring first support leg 50 and second support leg 52 torest on the shoulders of the child, without having their free endscoupled to one another, may allow bath cover 20 to be easily applied toand removed from the child. According to various alternativeembodiments, the free ends of first support leg 50 and second supportleg 52 may be coupled to each other or coupled to another structure(e.g., a bath tub, a sling or hammock within a bath tub, etc.) to assistin maintaining bath cover 20 in a desired position on the child.

According to the embodiment illustrated, first support leg 50 and secondsupport leg 52 are integrally formed with main portion 30 to provide aone-piece unitary cover. According to various alternative embodiments,first support leg 50 and second support leg 52 may be formed as aseparate components and subsequently coupled to main portion 30. Firstsupport leg 50 and second support leg 52 may be coupled to main portion30 by an adhesive (e.g., a heat or pressure sensitive adhesive, etc.),thermal bonding (e.g., sonic welding, etc.), stitching, mechanicalfasteners (e.g., clips, grommets, Velcro, snaps, buttons, zippers,etc.), or a combination of techniques, or any other known or otherwisesuitable technique.

Referring further to FIG. 3, bath cover 20 is further shown as generallycomprising a member or portion (e.g., gonadic shield, extension, cover,etc.) intended to cover the gonadic area of the child. Such a portion,shown as a privacy flap 60, is supported at bottom region 34 of mainportion 30. According to the embodiment illustrated, privacy flap 60 isintegrally formed with main portion 30 to provide a one-piece unitarycover. According to various alternative embodiments, privacy flap 60 maybe formed as a separate component and subsequently coupled to mainportion 30 using techniques similar to those detailed above in relationto the support members.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the function of privacy flap 60 istwofold. First, privacy flap 60 is configured to further warm orotherwise comfort the child during the bath process by at leastpartially covering the gonadic area of the child (i.e., which may haveheightened sensitivity). Second, privacy flap 60 is configured tocontrol the disposition of urine in the event that the child is unableto control urination during the bathing process. Such a feature may beparticularly desirable to the person giving the bath since thelikelihood of uncontrolled urination by a child is particularlyincreased when the child is subjected to sudden temperature changes suchas when an unclothed child is partially placed within a warm bath.Although privacy flap 60 may be particularly effective for a male child,privacy flap 60 is also effective for a female child.

The size and shape of privacy flap 60 can vary depending on variousdesign criteria. According to the embodiment illustrated, privacy flap60 is a convex portion downwardly extending from bottom region 34 ofmain portion 30. Privacy flap 60 is defined by a peripheral edge havinga substantially continuous curvilinear shape. The peripheral edgeincludes first edge 62 configured to be positioned adjacent to an innerportion of the left leg of the child (e.g., upper left thigh, etc.) anda second edge 64 configured to be positioned adjacent to an innerportion of the right leg of the child (e.g., upper right thigh, etc.).While first edge 62 and second 64 are shown as extending in asubstantially linear fashion at the locations where privacy flap 60 islikely to contact the legs of the child, according to alternativeembodiments, these portions may include additional curved edges tofurther conform to the contours of the legs of the child.

According to an exemplary embodiment, privacy flap 60 is formed of thesame material as main portion 30 and is configured to absorb urine inthe event of uncontrolled urination. According to various alternativeembodiments, privacy flap 60 may be formed of or at least include adifferent material than main portion 30. For example, it may bedesirable to include a relatively non-absorbent material at an outerrear surface (i.e., the surface adjacent to the child) of privacy flap60 intended to deflect the urine rather than absorb the urine. Such aconfiguration may prolong the usefulness of bath cover 20 beforebecoming soiled. According to another alternative embodiment, it may bedesirable to form privacy flap 60 with a relatively absorbent materialand to include a relatively non-absorbent barrier or membrane betweenmain portion 30 and privacy flap 60. Such a barrier may inhibit urinecaptured by privacy flap 60 from seeping upward into main portion 30.

Referring still further to FIG. 3, bath cover 20 is further shown asgenerally comprising portions intended to cover the sides of the torsoof the child. Such portions, shown as a left side extension 70 and aright side extension 72, are supported at left and right sides of mainportion 30 respectively. According to the embodiment illustrated, leftside extension 70 and right side extension 72 are integrally formed withmain portion 30 to provide a one-piece unitary cover. According tovarious alternative embodiments, left side extension 70 and right sideextension 72 may be formed as a separate components and subsequentlycoupled to main portion 30.

Left side extension 70 and right side extension 72 are configured todrape over or wrap around the sides of the child to further warm orotherwise comfort the child during the bath process.

The size and shape of left side extension 70 and right side extension 72can vary depending on various design criteria. According to theembodiment illustrated, left side extension 70 and right side extension72 are convex portions outwardly extending from left and right sides ofmain portion 30 respectfully. Left side extension 70 is defined by aperipheral edge 74 having a slight radius of curvature, while right sideextension 72 is defined by a peripheral edge 76 having a similar radiusof curvature. According to various alternative embodiments, left sideextension 70 and right side extension 72 may have any of a number ofsuitable sizes and shapes having linear edges, non-linear edges, and/orcombinations thereof.

According to an exemplary embodiment, left side extension 70 and rightside extension 72 are formed of the same material as main portion 30.According to various alternative embodiments, left side extension 70 andright side extension 72 may be formed of or at least include a differentmaterial than main portion 30.

As indicated above in various portions of this disclosure, and as shownin embodiment illustrated, main portion 30 is integrally formed withfirst and second support legs 50, 52, privacy flap 60, and left andright side extensions 70, 72 to form a unitary one-piece cover. As sucheach feature is formed of the same material. A single piece of materialmay be used to create bath cover 20, but preferably multiple pieces ofmaterial are used to create bath cover 20. The use of multiple piecesmay provide increased softness and comfort for the child. If more thanone piece of material (e.g., fabric panel, etc.) is utilized to providefor bath towel, the plurality of materials may be coupled to each otherusing any known or otherwise suitable technique. For example, thematerials may be coupled using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, thermalbonding, stitching, etc.

The overall dimensions of bath cover 20 can vary. Bath cover 20 can besized to substantially cover a specific portion of the body upon whichbath towel is placed or otherwise disposed over. According to anexemplary embodiment, bath cover 20 is sized to cover the torso of achild ranging in age from 0 months to 18 months and has an overalllength ranging between approximately 10 inches to approximately 24inches and an overall width ranging between approximately 8 inches toapproximately 15 inches. For purposes of the present disclosure, theterm “torso” is used broadly to refer to not only the front portion of achild, but also a back portion of child. For example, FIG. 5 shows bathcover 20 placed over the back of a child who is in a seated position.

According to various alternative embodiments, bath cover 20 may have alength and/or width sized larger or smaller than the aforementionedranges. For example, bath cover 20 may be configured to cover a portionof a child other than or in addition to the torso of the child (e.g.,the head, extremities, etc.). According to a further example, bath cover20 may be configured to cover an adolescent or an adult and thereforehave an enlarged length and/or width.

Referring to FIG. 6, a bath cover is shown according to anotherexemplary embodiment. For brevity, the description of the bath cover,shown as a bath towel 120, will be generally limited to its differencesrelative to bath cover 20 described above. For convenience, elements ofbath towel 120 that are substantially similar to corresponding elementsof bath cover 20 will be identified by the same reference numerals butpreceded by a “1”.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, bath towel120 is provided without privacy flap 60 along bottom region 134 of mainportion 130. Such a configuration may be particularly applicable forsituations in which the child being bath is sitting generally upright ina bath tub and bath towel 120 is applied to the back torso portions ofthe child to warm or otherwise comfort the child (as shown in FIG. 5).Such a configuration may also be used to cover the chest or abdominalarea of the child in the event that the child is laying down. Further,in such an embodiment, the length of main portion 130 may be extended tocover a lower portion of the child (e.g., legs, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 7, a bath cover is shown according to anotherexemplary embodiment. For brevity, the description of the bath cover,shown as a bath towel 220, will be generally limited to its differencesrelative to bath cover 20 described above. For convenience, elements ofbath towel 220 that are substantially similar to corresponding elementsof bath cover 20 will be identified by the same reference numerals butpreceded by a “2”.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, bath towel220 further includes an auxiliary or supplemental member (e.g., cord,string, leash, etc.), shown as a strap 280. Strap 280 has a first end282 coupled to bath towel 220 and a second end 284 that is free. Firstend 282 may be coupled at any of a variety of locations on bath towel220 (e.g., main portion 230, first or second support legs 250, 252,etc.). According to the embodiment illustrated, first end 282 isstitched to main portion 230 to fixedly couple strap 280 thereto.According to various alternative embodiments, strap 280 may be fixedlycoupled to main portion 230 using any of a variety of known or otherwisesuitable techniques. According to further alternative embodiments, strap280 may be releasably coupled to main portion 230.

Second end 284 is configured to receive a device that may assist infurther comforting the child during the bathing process. For example,second end 284 may be configured to receive a pacifier that can beinserted into the mouth of the child if the child begins to whine orfuss during the bathing process or a small toy (e.g., rattle, etc.) thatcan entertain the child. According to an exemplary embodiment, apacifier (or any other suitable device) can be releasably coupled tostrap 280. Releasably coupling a pacifier to strap 280 allows bath towel220 to be easily washed since the pacifier can be removed from strap 280before bath towel 220 is placed into a washing machine. To facilitatethe releasable coupling of a pacifier to strap 280, second end 284 mayinclude a fastener, such as a clip, snap, grommet, Velcro, or any othersuitable fastener. According to various alternative embodiments, secondend 284 may simply include an aperture configured to releasably receivea pacifier (e.g., by being tied with a string, held with a mechanicalfastener, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 8, a bath cover is shown according to anotherexemplary embodiment. For brevity, the description of the bath cover,shown as a bath towel 320, will be generally limited to its differencesrelative to bath cover 20 described above. For convenience, elements ofbath towel 320 that are substantially similar to corresponding elementsof bath cover 20 will be identified by the same reference numerals butpreceded by a “3”.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, bath towel320 is shown as including and/or defining a children's character. Forexample, bath towel 320 is shown as a frog. Bath towel 320 may beselectively shaped to create various characters (e.g., animals (e.g.,bunnies, ducks, fish, etc.), clowns, etc.) or other shapes (e.g.,heart-shaped, etc.) that may be enjoyable for the child being bathed.Bath towel 320 may include additional members to further illustratethese characters or shapes (e.g., outwardly extending arms and/or legs,eyes, etc.). According to various alternative embodiments, bath towel320 may be configured to receive indicia and images on main portion 330that again may be enjoyable for the child. For example, cartooncharacters, team sports logos, and/or wording may be added to bath towel320 or any of the bath towels disclosed herein. Such indicia and imagesmay be added by any of a variety of suitable techniques, such as screenprinting, embroidery and/or heat transfers.

Referring to FIG. 9, a bath cover is shown according to anotherexemplary embodiment. For brevity, the description of the bath cover,shown as a bath towel 420, will be generally limited to its differencesrelative to bath cover 20 described above. For convenience, elements ofbath towel 420 that are substantially similar to corresponding elementsof bath cover 20 will be identified by the same reference numerals butpreceded by a “4”.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, bath towel420 further includes a fastening system 490. Fastening system 490 isconfigured to correspond to a complimentary fastening system on a bathtub or bath tub support device. Fastening system 490 is intended toassist in securing bath 420 relative to a bath tub or a bath tub supportdevice. For example, fastening system 490 may be used to secure bathtowel 420 to a hammock or sling supported within a bath tub. Fasteningsystem 490 may take on any of a variety of suitable forms (e.g., snaps,buttons, Velcro, clips, etc.). Fastening system 490 may releasablysecure bath towel 420 to a bath tub or bath tub support device, oralternatively, may fixedly secure bath towel 420 to a bath tub or bathtub support device. According to an exemplary embodiment, fasteningsystem 490 is a snap supported at privacy flap 460 and is configured toreleasably secure bath towel 420 to a bath tub or bath tub supportdevice. A corresponding portion of the snap would be located on the bathtub or bath tub support device. For such a configuration, bath towel 420may be attached to the bath tub or bath tub support device before thechild is placed therein. Bath towel 420 may be supported in a positionthat is rotated away from the seating area of the bath tub or bath tubsupport device so that its additional will not interfere with placingthe child in the bath tub or bath tub support device. Once the child isplaced with the bath tub, bath towel 420 can be rotated about fasteningsystem 490 to a desired position wherein bath towel 420 substantiallycovers the torso of the child.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the fastening system may belocated along a side portion of bath towel 420. For example, bath towel420 may be coupled at a lateral side portion of a bath tub or bath tubsupport device (e.g., by being integral therewith, etc.) and configuredto be positioned over a child supported therein (e.g., by being pivotedabout an area of coupling between bath towel 420 and the bath tub orbath tub support device, etc.). According to another exemplaryembodiment, the bath towel 420 may be divided into two or more sectionsthat are each coupled to a bath tub or bath tub support device (e.g.,hammock or sling, etc.) and configured to be positioned over a child.For example, bath towel 420 may be divided from top to bottom into twosections (e.g., a right side section and a left side section, etc.). Theright side section may be coupled to a first lateral side of the bathtub or bath tub support device, while the left side section may becoupled to a second lateral side of the bath tub or bath tub supportdevice that is opposite the first lateral side. The two sections areconfigured to substantially cover a child positioned in the hammock orsling by placing the sections over the child (e.g., in a crisscrossedmanner, etc.).

A method of using bath cover 20 (or any of the other exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein) is described herein with reference toFIG. 1. Prior to using bath cover 20, the parent or caretaker giving thechild a bath will partially fill bath tub 10 with a desired amount ofwater. The child is than placed in bath tub 10 on his or hear backside.Typically, a portion of the child will be submersed within the bathwater, while another portion of the child is exposed to the ambient air.Often the portion that is exposed to the ambient air is the front of thetorso of the child (e.g., chest, abdominal area, etc.) and the gonadicarea. To comfort the child, the parent or caretaker positions bath cover20 over the exposed areas of the child with depression 40 is placedsubstantially around the neck of the child, first and second supportlegs 50, 52 placed over the shoulders of the child, main portion 30placed over the chest of the child, privacy flap 60 placed over thegonadic area of the child, and left and right side extensions drapedover the sides of the torso. While gravity may at least partially helpmaintain bath cover 20 in its desired position, first and second supportlegs 50, 52 also assist in maintaining bath cover 20 in this position.To further comfort (e.g., warm, etc.) the child, bath cover 20 may bedampened or saturated with relatively warm water (e.g., bath water,etc.). This may be done before bath cover 20 is applied to the childand/or after bath cover 20 is applied. Once the bathing process iscompleted, bath cover 20 can be removed and the child can be dried witha conventional dry towel. Similar steps can be taken if the child is ina different position (see, e.g., FIG. 5, etc.) or if the bath cover hasa different configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 6, etc.).

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the bath cover as shown in the illustrated embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, or thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or otherelements of the system may be varied. It should be noted that theelements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any ofa wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures andcombinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the appended claims. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the appendedclaims. For example, a sound generating device, such as the type used ina squeaky toy, may be added to the bath cover to help entertain thechild. Such a device may be added to a main body portion of the bathcover or any other portion.

The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Anymeans-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the appendedclaims or otherwise inherent from the present disclosure.

1. A bath cover for comforting a child during a bathing process, thebath cover comprising: a body portion at least partially formed of anabsorbent material and configured to cover at least a portion of thetorso of the child, the body portion having an upper end with a contourcorresponding to the neck of the child; and first and second supportportions extending outwardly at the upper end of the body andpositionable over the shoulders of the child, wherein the relativelyabsorbent material is configured to be wetted and positioned adjacent tothe child to warm the child during the bathing process.
 2. The bathcover of claim 1 further comprising a pair of side portions supported atopposite lateral sides of the body portion and positionable over thesides of the child.
 3. The bath cover of claim 1 wherein the bodyportion is configured to cover the chest and abdominal area of thechild.
 4. The bath cover of claim 1 wherein the main portion isconfigured to be saturated with water during the bath process to furtherwarm the child.
 5. The bath cover of claim 1 wherein the first andsecond support portions are integrally formed with the body portion toprovide a one-piece unitary bath cover.
 6. The bath cover of claim 5wherein the body portion is formed of a first panel defining a frontsurface of the bath cover and a second panel defining a rear surface ofthe bath cover, the first panel being coupled to the second panel. 7.The bath cover of claim 6 further comprising a binding around aperipheral edge of the bath cover to assist in coupling the first panelto the second panel.
 8. The bath cover of claim 1 further comprising atleast one strap having a first end coupled at the body portion and asecond end configured to releasably receive an accessory.
 9. The bathcover of claim 8 further comprising a clip supported at the second endof the strap for releasably securing the accessory.
 10. The bath coverof claim 8 wherein the accessory is a pacifier.
 11. The bath cover ofclaim 1 wherein the bath cover is coupled to at least one of a bath tuband a bath tub support device.
 12. The bath cover of claim 11 furthercomprising a fastener for releasably coupling the bath cover to the atleast one of the bath tub and the bath tub support device.
 13. The bathcover of claim 11 wherein the at least one of the bath tub and the bathtub support device is a sling coupled to a bath tub.
 14. A bath coverfor use on a child during a bathing process, the bath cover comprising:a body portion having an upper end with a contour corresponding to theneck of the child; first and second support portions extending outwardlyat the upper end of the body and positionable over the shoulders of thechild; a pair of side portions supported at opposite lateral sides ofthe body portion and positionable over the sides of the child; and agonadic portion supported at a lower end of the body portion, whereinthe body portion, the side portions and the gonadic portion areconfigured to be wetted and positioned adjacent to the child to warm thechild during the bathing process.
 15. The bath cover of claim 14 whereingonadic portion has a peripheral edge with a profile that is curved andpositionable between the inner legs of the child.
 16. The bath cover ofclaim 14 wherein the body portion, the first and second supportportions, and the gonadic portion are integrally formed to provide aone-piece unitary bath cover.
 17. The bath cover of claim 14 furthercomprising a fastener for coupling the bath cover to at least one of abath tub and a bath tub support device.
 18. A method of comforting achild during a bathing procedure involving a tub, the method comprising:wetting an absorbent bath cover with water, the bath cover including abody portion and a support portion, the body portion includes an upperend having a contoured region, the support portion includes a pair ofsupport legs outwardly extending from the upper end; positioning thebody portion over the torso of the child; positioning the contouredregion adjacent to the neck of the child, and positioning each supportleg over a respective shoulder of the child.
 19. The method of claim 18wherein the step of wetting the absorbent bath cover involves saturatingthe absorbent bath cover.
 20. The method of claim 18 further comprisingthe step of coupling the bath cover to the tub.